Lennox Split & Multi-Split

Lennox Error Code E438

Split & Multi-Split

E438 means different things on different Split & Multi-Split models. Enter your model number to see only your reading, or find your model below.

What It Means

  • The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.
  • The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a Service Urgent code.

Causes & actions from Lennox

The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

35 models

EL18XCV, EL18XCV-024, EL18XCV-036, EL18XCV-048, EL18XCV-060, EL18XPV, EL18XPV-024, EL18XPV-036, EL18XPV-048, EL18XPV-060, EL19KPV, EL19KPV-024, EL19KPV-036, EL19KPV-048, EL19KPV-060, EL22KCV, EL22KCV-024, EL22KCV-036, EL22KCV-048, EL22KCV-060, SL22KLV, SL22KLV-024, SL22KLV-036, SL22KLV-048, SL22KLV-060, SL25KCV, SL25KCV-024, SL25KCV-036, SL25KCV-048, SL25KCV-060, SL28XCV, SL28XCV-024, SL28XCV-036, SL28XCV-048, SL28XCV-060

Air conditioner (outdoor), Heat pump (outdoor)

How it shows
  • Inverter code: 73
  • Inverter LED flash code: Red 7 flashes, Green 3 flashes (green: flashing ×3, red: flashing ×7)
  • Outdoor control 7-segment display: E438

Issue: Possible issue is system running at high pressures. Check for high pressure trips or other alert codes in room thermostat and outdoor control. To clear, disconnect power to the indoor unit (24VAC power source to the outdoor control) which will power off the outdoor control and will open the outdoor unit contactor, which interrupts power to the inverter and then re-apply power.

Applicable models & manual sources
  • EL18XCV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    EL18XCV, EL18XCV-024, EL18XCV-036, EL18XCV-048, EL18XCV-060

    EL18XCV manual, page 39

    EL18XCV manual, page 79

  • EL18XPV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    EL18XPV, EL18XPV-024, EL18XPV-036, EL18XPV-048, EL18XPV-060

    EL18XPV manual, page 40

    EL18XPV manual, page 82

  • EL19KPV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    EL19KPV, EL19KPV-024, EL19KPV-036, EL19KPV-048, EL19KPV-060

    EL19KPV manual, page 46

  • EL19KPV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    EL19KPV, EL19KPV-024, EL19KPV-036, EL19KPV-048, EL19KPV-060

    EL19KPV manual, page 83

    EL19KPV manual, page 83

  • EL22KCV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    EL22KCV, EL22KCV-024, EL22KCV-036, EL22KCV-048, EL22KCV-060

    EL22KCV manual, page 43

    EL22KCV manual, page 79

  • SL22KLV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    SL22KLV, SL22KLV-024, SL22KLV-036, SL22KLV-048, SL22KLV-060

    SL22KLV manual, page 89

  • SL22KLV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    SL22KLV, SL22KLV-024, SL22KLV-036, SL22KLV-048, SL22KLV-060

    SL22KLV manual, page 46

  • SL25KCV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    SL25KCV, SL25KCV-024, SL25KCV-036, SL25KCV-048, SL25KCV-060

    SL25KCV manual, page 39

    SL25KCV manual, page 39

    SL25KCV manual, page 74

  • SL28XCV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a critical code.

    SL28XCV, SL28XCV-024, SL28XCV-036, SL28XCV-048, SL28XCV-060

    SL28XCV manual, page 33

    SL28XCV manual, page 68

The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a Service Urgent code.

5 models

EL21KLV, EL21KLV-024, EL21KLV-036, EL21KLV-048, EL21KLV-060

Heat pump (outdoor)

How it shows
  • Inverter code: 73
  • Inverter LED flash code: Red 7 flashes, Green 3 flashes (green: flashing ×3, red: flashing ×7)
  • Outdoor control 7-segment display: E438

Issue: Possible issue is system running at high pressures. Check for high pressure trips or other alert codes in room thermostat and outdoor control. To clear, disconnect power to the indoor unit (24VAC power source to the outdoor control) which will power off the outdoor control and will open the outdoor unit contactor, which interrupts power to the inverter and then re-apply power.

Applicable models & manual sources
  • EL21KLV

    The inverter has detected a PFC over current condition. This would be caused by a high load condition, high pressure, or outdoor fan failure. Outdoor control will display the code when the inverter has the error. After 3 minutes, the inverter will reset and the compressor will turn on again. If it happens 10 times within a 60 minute rolling time period, the OD control will lock out operation of the outdoor unit and display a Service Urgent code.

    EL21KLV, EL21KLV-024, EL21KLV-036, EL21KLV-048, EL21KLV-060

    EL21KLV manual, page 49

    EL21KLV manual, page 96

Disclaimer: This information is for general reference. Code wording and instructions vary by model. Always follow the service manual for your exact unit.

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